System and method of providing rewards for casino gaming

ABSTRACT

A method of providing rewards for casino gaming includes a system receiving a request and creating a player record in a database by obtaining player data including a balance, and assigning the player record a unique key. A casino bank communicates with the database and creates a player debit account. The database updates the player record to include a unique debit account identifier linked to the debit account. The database copies the key to the redemption card and the database copies the debit account identifier to the redemption card, if the debit account identifier is not already encoded on the redemption card, and authorizes a terminal to dispense the redemption card. The database updates the balance of the player record upon the player gambling, wherein the redemption card is provided to the terminal which receives and communicates the key and transaction data to the database for updating the player record.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/017,502 filed on Jan. 22, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to casino gaming, and morespecifically, to a system and method for providing rewards for apoint-based loyalty casino gaming system.

Casinos are known for providing players with a centralized location inwhich they can play any one of a number of games involving chance,typically referred to as casino gambling. A typical game of chancerequires a player to place a bet (typically money) with the casinohoping that through luck, skill, or a combination of the two, the playerwill win the game and take away more money than the wagered amount.However, the casino games are typically designed such that the casino,also known as the “house,” has a better chance of winning.Statistically, this allows casinos to turn a profit provided asufficient number of games are being played. As such, the casino'sprofit increases proportionally with an increase in the number of gamesplayed. Thus, one design criteria of a casino rewards system is toincrease the number of games being played by players at the casino.

While some of the first casinos required players to wager actual cash,casinos have evolved to provide better security and organization byallowing players to “purchase” items that represent cash. Common typesof these cash substitutes are plastic chips, frequently referred to as“poker chips.” The player gambles with these poker chips as if they werecash and eventually can “cash-out” by returning the chips to the casinofor money.

Recent advances in technology have allowed casinos to implementelectronic-based systems for casino gambling. In recent implementations,players are given a storage device (e.g., a card with a magnetic strip)that is linked to a corresponding player account. The player then paysmoney to load the card with points to be used in the casino. Uponplaying a game, a certain number of points (based on the size of thebet) is electronically deducted from the player's account by, forexample, swiping the card through a card-reader connected to a databaseaccessing the player's account. Similarly, if the player wins the game,points are added to the account. Such systems then allow players tologin to terminals within the casino and “spend” (i.e., redeem) theirpoints, by selecting merchandise which is optionally shipped to theirhotel rooms or homes. Such systems are well-liked by players as theyprovide a fast and simple method for redeeming points. Thus, anotherdesign criteria of a casino rewards system is the speed and ease ofwhich a player can convert his points into something of value to him.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-listed needs are met or exceeded by the present system andmethod of providing rewards for casino gaming, which features anelectronic data card such as a conventional credit/debit card hereafterreferred to as a redemption card that can be requested by a playergambling at a casino implementing a traditional point-based system. Suchplayers are not limited to spending their points on merchandise as theseredemption cards are linked to their point account providing severaloptions for spending their points. Specifically, these redemption cardsare linked to a bank account such that players can use them as debit orprepaid credit cards with merchants or the like. Players can also usethese redemption cards as automatic teller machine (ATM) cards towithdraw cash. Finally, players have the option of transferring fundsdirectly into to a bank account of their choice. These redemption cardsallow the players to use their points like cash or even literallyconvert their points to cash. These redemption cards also double as atraditional gambling cash substitute (similar to the poker chips andelectronic card discussed in the background). Therefore, only a singledevice is needed to both gamble in the casino and redeem any availablepoints in the player's account. The speed and ease with which suchredemption cards can be used results in a more attractive casinogambling system to potential and existing players, thus resulting inmore games being played, which is beneficial to the casino.

More specifically, a method for providing rewards for casino gaming isprovided, which includes the steps of creating a player record in aplayer database by obtaining player data including a player balance andassigning the player record a player key, a casino bank creating aplayer debit account with an account identifier using the player data,the player database copying the player key and the player debit accountidentifier to a storage medium, if the player debit account number isnot already encoded on the storage medium, and authorizing a terminal todispense the storage medium, and the player database updating the playerbalance upon the player gambling.

A second embodiment provides a method for providing rewards for casinogaming, which includes the steps of creating a player record in a playerdatabase by obtaining player data including a player balance andassigning the player record a player key, the player database copyingthe player key to a temporary storage medium and authorizing a terminalto dispense the temporary storage medium, the player database updatingthe player balance upon the player gambling, the casino terminalreceiving a request to create a redemption card, a casino bank creatinga player debit account and the player database updating the playerrecord to include a player debit account identifier, a redemption cardproduction center communicating with the player database and creatingthe redemption card having the player key and the player debit accountidentifier, the redemption card being able to function as the temporarydata storage medium.

In a third embodiment, a system for providing rewards for casino gamingis configured for receiving a request and creating a player record for aplayer in a player database by obtaining player data including a playerbalance, and assigning the player record a unique player key. The systemalso instructs a casino bank to communicate with the player database andcreates a player debit account using the player data. Next, the systeminstructs the player database to update the player record to include aunique player debit account identifier linked to the player debitaccount. Following this update, the system instructs the player databaseto copy the player key and the player debit account identifier to aredemption card and authorizes at least one casino terminal to dispensethe redemption card. Finally, the system instructs the player databaseto update the player balance of the player record upon the playergambling in a casino, wherein the redemption card is provided to the atleast one casino terminal which receives and communicates the player keyand gambling transaction data to the player database for updating theplayer record.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow-chart of a system embodying the present method.

FIG. 2 is a flow-chart of a system incorporating an alternate embodimentof the present system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a casino rewards system, generally designated10 includes a player database 12, which employs at least one playerrecord 14. In the preferred embodiment, a player record 14 is createdwhen a request is made and data is provided, preferably by a player toat least one casino terminal 16 communicating with the player database12. However, a player record 14 can also be created by the playerproviding data through the Internet or by the player database 12communicating with another database or the like. It is noted that the atleast one casino terminal 16 is preferably electronic, but may alsoincluded a manual station at a casino (e.g., being run by a casinoclerk). In the present application, “casino” will be understood to referto any type of gaming establishment, including but not limited to onlineor virtual gaming systems, as well as conventional physical casinos orother physical gaming facilities.

The data provided and stored in the player record 14 includes, but isnot limited to a player name 18, player contact information 20, playerpayment information 22 (e.g., bank, credit card, or checking accountinformation), and a player balance 24. The player balance 24 is set to anumeric value upon charging the player a specified amount of money usingthe player payment information 22. Further, a unique player key 26 isassigned to the player record 14 to identify the player record. It isnoted that the type of data stored in the player record 14 may besupplemented, substituted, or modified as needed.

To process a payment from the player, a request for payment verificationis sent to a casino verification bank 28. Upon receiving verification,the player balance 24 is established. The player balance 24 identifieshow many “points” the player has that can be used in the casino forplaying games. It is noted that some forms of payment (e.g., cash) willnot require verification and in such instances, the player paymentinformation 22 will be given a value indicating such payment was madeand the player balance 24 will be set accordingly. The player record 14also contains fields for a player PIN 30, a player debit accountidentifier 32, and a player personal account identifier 34, but sincethese fields are unused as this stage, they will be described later asthey become needed.

A casino bank 36 then communicates with the player database 12 andcreates a player debit account 38 using data in the player record 14.The player record 14 is then updated to include the player debit accountidentifier 32 of the player debit account 38, providing a link betweenthe player record and the player debit account.

To allow the player to use his points in the casino and redeem his pointbalance 24, a redemption card 40, preferably a card having a magneticstrip, is encoded with a copy of the player key 26 and the player debitaccount identifier 32 and is issued, preferably to the player from theat least one casino terminal 16. The optional player PIN 30, required tomake transactions, may also be added to the player record 14, associatedwith the redemption card 40, and provided to the player for addedsecurity as is commonly used with credit/debit cards. It is noted thatsuch data could be encoded using a variety of known technologies,including, but not limited to the use of bar codes or computer chips.However, since the redemption card 40 is intended to be used, amongother things, as a traditional credit card, the redemption card 40 ispreferably configured to replicate the design of a traditional creditcard (i.e., a standard credit card shape with a magnetic strip).

In addition, since the redemption 40 card is intended to be used as atraditional credit card, it is desired to have traditional credit cardfeatures (e.g., an imprinted account number). While it is contemplatedthat such imprinting of the player debit account identifier 32 or thelike be done at the at least one casino terminal 16, it is noted thatcasinos may stock pre-imprinted redemption cards 40. In such cases, theplayer debit account identifier 32 is copied from the redemption card 40to the player record 14, preferably when the other data in the playerrecord 14 is obtained. Further in such cases, the player debit accountidentifier 32 is communicated to the casino bank 36 when the playerdebit account 38 is created. Thereafter, when the redemption card 40 isactually dispensed, it is preferred that an activation authorization iscommunicated, preferably from the at least one casino terminal 16 to thecasino bank 36, causing the player debit account 38 to be activated.Such an activation is preferably only used when redemption cards 40 arepre-imprinted with the player debit account identifier 32.

With respect to the data maintained on the redemption card 40, it isnoted that all data in the player record 14 could be copied to theredemption card, however as is well-known by a person of ordinary skillin the art, it is preferred to retain as much data as possible in adatabase and allow such data to be accessed by providing a uniqueidentifier linked to that data (i.e., the player key 26). Such animplementation is well known to provide greater organization andconsistency of data. It is also noted that the steps of creating of theplayer record 14, creating the player debt account 44, and dispensingthe redemption card 40 could be performed in a different order, so longas the data is properly maintained.

As the player gambles in the casino, the redemption card 40 is providedto the at least one casino terminal 16 or otherwise is used tocommunicate with the player database 12 to update the player balance 24in the player record 14. For example, if a player uses a slot machine,the redemption card 40 is swiped through the slot machine, and thepoints necessary for a single use would be deducted from the playerbalance 24. Similarly, if the player won the slot machine game, adefined number of points would be added to the player balance 24.

Any method of communication between the redemption card 40 and theplayer database 12 is contemplated that is capable of maintaining anupdated player balance 24. However, it is preferred that the playerswipes the redemption card 40 through a receiving device 42 in the atleast one casino terminal 16 each time a game is played, which in turn,communicates the player key 26 and any necessary transaction data (i.e.,the wagered amount) to the player database 12 for updating the playerrecord 14.

The player can use the redemption card 40 to redeem points by takingadvantage of the link between the redemption card 40 and the playerdebit account 38. In particular, the player can use the redemption card40 as a traditional debit/credit card, as a traditional ATM card toobtain cash, or to transfer funds into a personal account. The playercan use the redemption card 40 as a credit/debit card by presenting itto a merchant 50 as payment for goods or services, preferably along withthe player PIN 30 for verification. Thereafter, a merchant bank 52communicates with the casino bank 36 such that funds are appropriatelytransferred as with a traditional credit/debit card transaction.

Similarly, the redemption card 40 can be used as an ATM card bypresenting the redemption card to an ATM machine 54 to withdraw aspecified amount of cash, preferably along with the player PIN 30 forverification. Thereafter, an ATM bank 56 communicates with the casinobank 36 such that funds are appropriately transferred and cash isdispensed from the ATM machine 54 as with a traditional ATM withdrawaltransaction.

Finally, funds can be transferred from the player debit account 38 to adesignated player personal account 58 at a personal bank 60 upon arequest, preferably made by the player at the at least one casinoterminal 16 and preferably along with the player PIN 30 forverification. It is noted that transferring funds from the player debitaccount 38 to a player personal account 58 can also be initiated at abank, online, or at any other place that provides such services,hereafter referred to as a transfer terminal. The associated playerpersonal account identifier 34 is then added to the player record 14such that similar transfers to the player personal account 58 can bequickly and easily performed in the future.

Regardless of how the redemption card 40 is used to redeem points, it ispreferred that a determination is made whether sufficient funds areavailable in the player debit account 38 as a precondition to carryingout a related transaction. However, it is noted that a reserve account62 is optionally used to facilitate transactions in the event that theplayer debit account 38 does not have sufficient funds to complete arequested transaction. In such cases, funds from the reserve account 62are used by the casino to cover the deficiency, but are expected to berepaid by the player. The amount and frequency of these inadequatelyfunded transactions are among the factors to be considered in thediscretionary use of the reserve account 62 by the casino.

As the redemption card 40 is used to redeem points, it is important tomaintain consistency between the player balance 24 (i.e., the “points”in the player record 14 for gambling) and the funds available in theplayer debit account 38 (the “points” available in the casino bank 36for spending like cash). However, since transactions involving thecasino bank 36 do not modify the player balance 24 in the player record14, a communication between the player database 12 and the casino bank36 is periodically made to ensure consistency between both fields.Preferably, at least daily scheduled inquiries are made by the playerdatabase 12 to the casino bank 36 such that the player balance 24 in theplayer record 14 is properly updated. Further, to provide accountingbenefits and minimize financial risk, the redemption card 40 and thecorresponding player debit account 38 can be assigned expiration dates,as needed, preferably twenty-four months. Thereafter, the casino bankwill reject any transaction concerning the player debit account 38 andthe player will forfeit any unclaimed points remaining in the playerbalance 24.

In a second embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, an alternate casino rewardssystem 70 is shown, in which components shared with the casino rewardssystem 10 are designated with identical reference numbers. The maindifference between the two systems 10, 70 is that in the alternatesystem 70, a player is provided with a temporary storage medium to usefor gambling while the redemption card 40 is created and send to theplayer. As shown in FIG. 2, the redemption cards 40 are produced using aredemption card production center 64 having a redemption card database66 that communicates with the player database 12, receiving dailybatches of card requests. Copies of the player key 26 and the playerdebit account identifier 32 are encoded on the redemption card 40,preferably as a magnetic strip.

Redemption cards 40 are then delivered to the corresponding player,preferably by mail, according to the player contact information 20stored in the player record 14. Preferably, the player will receive theredemption card 40 within one to two days after the request is made. Toallow players to gamble and accumulate points during this interim, atemporary storage medium 68, encoded (as with the redemption card) withthe player key 26, is dispensed, preferably from the at least one casinoterminal 16 to the player. Since the temporary storage medium 68 isencoded with the same player key 26 that will be later encoded in theredemption card 40, the latter can replace the former for gambling andthe like within the casino.

It is also noted that many players will have existing point-basedaccounts, as discussed in the background, that were created prior to theimplementation of a system using the redemption cards 40. Therefore, itis noted that in such circumstances, some or all of the data in theplayer record 14 will be obtained by communicating with a legacydatabase or the like instead of being provided as new data as discussedin the preferred embodiment. In such circumstances, a redemption card 40will replace an existing card or the like as used by the player.

With respect to all embodiments, it is noted that any transactionpreferably made at the at least one casino terminal 16, can each be madeat a different casino terminal. For example, the player can create aplayer record 14 at one casino terminal at one casino, request aredemption card at a second casino terminal in a second casino, andgamble with the redemption card at a third casino terminal in a thirdcasino. Further, while the method and system as described, has aspecified order of steps, it is noted that the steps could be performedin any of a number of permutations while still achieving the same orsimilar result.

In addition, it is preferred that the casino rewards programs 10, 70 areimplemented using a computer software program or other knownimplementation techniques that allow for instructing or signaling(considered equivalent operations) entities to perform tasks oroperations. The software program establishes electronic versions of theplayer database 12, the player record 14, the casino terminal 16, theplayer debit account 38, the player personal account 58, the reserveaccount 62; and the redemption card database 66, provides for electroniccommunication between all the entities (banks, merchants, player, etc.);the electronic production of the temporary storage mediums 36 and theredemption card 40; and any other step, task, or operation, includingall those provided in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, or which otherwise could becarried out using computer software or the like.

While a particular embodiment of the present system and method ofproviding rewards for casino gaming has been described herein, it willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes andmodifications may be made thereto without departing from the inventionin its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.

1. A method of providing rewards for casino gaming, comprising: a casinorewards system receiving a request and creating a player record for aplayer in a player database by obtaining player data including a playerbalance, and assigning said player record a unique player key; a casinobank communicating with said player database and creating a player debitaccount using said player data; said player database updating saidplayer record to include a unique player debit account identifier linkedto said player debit account; said player database copying said playerkey to a redemption card; said player database copying said player debitaccount identifier to said redemption card, if said player debit accountidentifier is not already encoded on said redemption card, andauthorizing at least one casino terminal to dispense said redemptioncard; and said player database updating said player balance of saidplayer record upon said player gambling in a casino, wherein saidredemption card is provided to said at least one casino terminal whichreceives and communicates said player key and gambling transaction datato said player database for updating said player record.
 2. The methodof claim 1 further comprising: said player database periodicallycommunicating with said casino bank such that said player balance can beupdated to reflect a balance in said player debit account.
 3. The methodof claim 1 further comprising: said redemption card, if presented aspayment to a merchant, being used as a credit or debit card as byreading and communicating said player debit account identifier to amerchant bank causing a transfer of funds from said player debit accountat said casino bank to a merchant account at said merchant bank.
 4. Themethod of claim 3 further comprising: said casino rewards systemensuring sufficient funds are available in said player debit accountbefore transferring said funds from said player debit account to saidmerchant account.
 5. The method of claim 3 further comprising: saidcasino bank creating a reserve account providing funds when atransaction is made requiring funds to be transferred out of said playerdebit account when said player debit account has insufficient funds. 6.The method of claim 1 further comprising: said player databaseassociating said player debit account with a player PIN by adding saidplayer PIN to said player record; said player PIN being provided to saidplayer, said player using said redemption card at an automatic tellermachine, wherein said player provides said player PIN and said automaticteller machine communicates said player debit account identifier to anATM bank; and said funds are transferred from said casino bank to saidATM bank and said ATM machine dispenses cash.
 7. The method of claim 1further comprising: a player personal bank creating a player personalaccount having a player personal account identifier; said playerdatabase adding said player personal account identifier to said playerrecord; a transfer terminal receiving a request to transfer funds fromsaid player debit account to said player personal account; and saidtransfer terminal communicating with said casino bank and said playerpersonal bank and transferring funds from said player debit account tosaid player personal account.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein saidplayer debit account expires after some time period.
 9. The method ofclaim 8 where said time period is twenty-four months.
 10. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said player data further includes a player name, playercontact information, and player payment information.
 11. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said redemption card is associated with a predeterminedplayer debit account identifier before said request for creating aplayer record is made.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said at leastone casino terminal communicates an authorization to said casino bank toactivate said redemption card.
 13. A system for providing rewards forcasino gaming, wherein said system: receives a request and creates aplayer record for a player in a player database by obtaining player dataincluding a player balance, and assigning said player record a uniqueplayer key; instructs a casino bank to communicate with said playerdatabase and create a player debit account using said player data;instructs said player database to update said player record to include aunique player debit account identifier linked to said player debitaccount; instructs said player database to copy said player key and saidplayer debit account identifier to a redemption card and authorizes atleast one casino terminal to dispense said redemption card; andinstructs said player database to update said player balance of saidplayer record upon said player gambling in a casino, wherein saidredemption card is provided to said at least one casino terminal whichreceives and communicates said player key and gambling transaction datato said player database for updating said player record.
 14. The systemof claim 13 wherein the system is a computer software program.